Cybertruck V4 Supercharger session reveals card payment terminal and the blessing of a longer cable
During the first Giga Texas overflights that caught a glimpse of a Cybertruck at the Supercharger station there, it seemed that charging the large electric pickup would be more challenging than other Tesla models. While the NACS port is placed at the rear left of the Cybertruck, just as on other Teslas, the truck's sheer size and the relatively short V3 Supercharger cable that runs on the inside of the stall, could require more maneuvering than usual.
Fast forward to the first V4 Supercharger station in the US - over at Sparks, NV - and it seems that Tesla is rolling out its next-gen charging system just in time for the Cybertruck. Its longer cable that runs on the outside of the taller pile makes plugging the Cybertruck a breeze, but the V4 Superchargers have other virtues, too.
In the US, they seemingly come with the same card payment terminal that they got in Europe, since local regulations disburse public charger funding only if there are alternative payment methods installed. Those who used the V4 Superchargers in Nevada, however, say that the card payment terminal is still inactive on this side of the pond. The same goes for the Magic Dock that should allow non-Tesla vehicles to top-off at Superchargers without an adapter, but Tesla engineers have confirmed that they will be gradually flipping the switch on those new features on a per-site basis.
The Cybertruck flaunts an 800V powertrain so the 1000V NACS connector at the new V4 Supercharger station piles will suit the electric pickup right. As in Europe, though, the Sparks V4 stalls are powered by V3 cabinets, meaning that they top out at 250kW, even though Tesla officially rates its V4 Supercharger system as capable of 350kW output.
Those speeds will require both Tesla vehicles that can take advantage of them, and power line or grid upgrades, so they will evidently be coming at a later date. For now, Cybertruck and non-Tesla EV owners will be able to enjoy the longer cable, as well as the convenience of card and phone payments whenever that feature goes live at V4 Supercharger stations in the US.
Source(s)
Mardak (Tesla Motors Club)
